Description

Mid infrared wavelength observations are recognized as an important field of study in astronomy. These observations can provide further evidence of the early universe and confirm various theories about objects that are intrinsically cold or redshifted due to the expansion of the universe. The observation at mid-infrared wavelength is known to be corrupted by noise from thermal background in the sky. A chopping mechanism is commonly used to reduce this thermal noise.  In order to fulfill its specific functionality, the design of chopping mechanisms have to take several factors into account: Firstly, it must work in the cryogenic environment where the sensitive mid-infrared instrument is located; Secondly, it must have fast response time in order to maximize observation time; Thirdly, it provides an accurate movement. In this project, advanced modeling and controller design for the chopping mechanism in several instruments will be developed, where one instrument, and thus the chopping mechanism is currently being designed in close collaboration with our project.

 

Researcher

Prof.dr.ir. J.M.A. Scherpen

 

PhD student

Robert Huisman

 

Funding

SRON

 

Contact Information